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Nursing Shortage And Nurse Turnover
New perspectives on employee satisfaction
New perspectives on employee satisfaction
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Health care is facing a nursing shortage that will challenge the delivery of medical care throughout the United States and world. The current registered nurse (RN) shortage is predicted to increase over the next 20 years due to the imminent retirement of the Baby Boomer generation (Griffith, 2012). The nursing profession faces difficulties attracting new nurses and retaining the existing workforce. Many factors, including poor retention rates within the profession, contribute to this problem (Gambino, 2010). Unfortunately, often due to the lack of financial resources, many of the changes suggested to encourage retention are difficult, even impossible to achieve. For this reason, Gambino (2010) suggests researching personal commitment and the factors that affect commitment of whether a nurse will remain with an employer or nursing profession.
Motivation
Gambino (2010) conducted a study to identify reasons or motivations individuals enter the nursing profession. Motivations were either altruistically or analytically driven. Those altruistically motivated become nurses as the result of a calling or a wish to work in a caring profession. Analytically motivated individuals chose a nursing career for reasons including job security, flexibility, benefits, and perceived opportunities for advancement (Gambino, 2010).
With the Ochsner Health System, several programs are in place for those with an interest in the healthcare field and wish to explore different areas of medicine. These programs range from volunteerism to academic outreach programs. Job shadowing, a unique offering, allows those aged 16 and older to have one-on-one experiences in a healthcare profession of their choice, up to 40 hours (Ochsner, n.d., “Field trips”). For qu...
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...appreciation. Retrieved from http://www.ochsner.org/careers/employee_appreciation
Ochsner. (n.d.). Field trips & job shadows. Retrieved from http://www.ochsner.org/community/field_trips/
Ochsner. (n.d.). Ochsner STAR program. Retrieved from http://www.ochsner.org/community/ochsner_star_program/
Ochsner. (n.d.). Volunteering. Retrieved from http://www.ochsner.org/donate_volunteer/volunteering/
Ochsner. (2012). 2012 benefits guide. Retrieved from http://choose-healthy.org/benefits-flash-demo.php
Ochsner. (2013a). Performance assessment/pay for performance. In Policies and procedures.
Ochsner. (2013b). Tuition assistance. In Policies and procedures.
Ochsner. (2014a). Clinical ladder program. In Professional development.
Ochsner. (2014b). Commitment to professional development. In Policies and procedures.
Purpera, C. (2014, April 16). [Personal interview by the author].
There is a shortage of all health care professions throughout the United States. One shortage in particular that society should be very concerned about is the shortage of Registered Nurses. Registered Nurses make up the single largest healthcare profession in the United States. A registered nurse is a vital healthcare professional that has earned a two or four year degree and has the upper-most responsibility in providing direct patient care and staff management in a hospital or other treatment facilities (Registered Nurse (RN) Degree and Career Overview., 2009). This shortage issue is imperative because RN's affect everyone sometime in their lifetime. Nurses serve groups, families and individuals to foster health and prevent disease.
The shortage of registered nurses (RNs) in the United States has been a cyclical topic dating back to the 1960s. Only recently have employers in certain regions of the nation stated a decline in the demand for RNs. Consequently, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2014) report on 2012-2013 Enrollment and Graduations in Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs in Nursing, American nursing schools denied admission to 79,659 qualified applicants from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in 2012. The reported decrease in job availability and rejected admissions has left many individuals to question if the nursing shortage still exists. On the other hand, some experts project that the United States will be short more than one million RNs by 2020 (Dolan, 2011). Although some parts of the country are in less of a demand than others, it is undeniable that there is a national shortage of RNs.
Recent literature reports that there is a nursing shortage and it is continually increasing. Data released by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2011) projects that the shortage, would increase to 260,000 by the year 2025. AACN (2011) also reported that 13% of newly registered nurses changed jobs and 37% were ready to change within a year. A study conducted reports that there is a correlation between higher nursing workloads and nurse burnout, retention rates, job dissatisfaction and adverse patient outcomes (Vahey & Aiken, 2004). Among the nurses surveyed in the study, over 40% stated that they were suffering from burnout while 1 in 5 nurses intended
Every individual nurse has their own reasons for making their career choice. As in the case of Ms. Kreklau, some are compelled to care and nurture other human beings and enjoy the rewarding feelings they gain from positive outcomes. “There are so many [career options] in nursing” (Kreklau). Other people are motivated because of flexible scheduling, monetary reasons and/or job security. Then there are people like me, who have experienced extended time in a medical facility and experienced excellent or poor care for themselves or a loved one. My husband’s motorcycle accident in 2013, in which he sustained traumatic brain injury and other injuries, mandated our stay in the hospital for over a month. The outstanding and wonderful care he received left me with a marked impression. I would like to be able to help others in a similar
Current literature continues to reiterate the indicators of a major shortage of registered nurses (RNs) in the United States. The total RN population has been increasing since 1980, which means that we have more RNs in this country than ever before (Nursing Shortage). Even though the RN population is increasing, it is growing at a much slower rate then when compared to the rate of growth of the U.S. population (Nursing Shortage). We are seeing less skilled nurses “at a time of an increasingly aging population with complex care needs and an increasingly complex technological care environment” (Mion). According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Health and Human Services, it is estimated that “more than a million new and replacement nurses will be needed over the next decade” (Diagnosis: Critical).
However, upon securing a job, they find that things on the ground are not as they had expected them to be and this results in some of them deciding to leave the profession early. Research shows that turnovers within the nursing fraternity target person below the age of 30 (Erickson & Grove, 2011). The high turnover within the nursing fraternity results in a massive nurse shortage. This means that the nurses who decide to stay have to work for many hours resulting in exhaustion. A significant percent of nurses quitting their job sites exhaustion and discouragement as the reason that contributed to their decision. In one of the studies conducted on the issue of nurse turnover, 50% of the nurses leaving the profession argued that they felt saddened and discouraged by what they were unable to do for their patients (Erickson & Grove, 2011). When a nurse witness his/her patients suffering but cannot do anything because of the prevailing conditions he/she feels as if he/she is not realizing the reason that prompted him/her to join the nursing profession. The higher rate of nursing turnover is also affecting the quality of care nurses provide to
Nursing has always been a key career in the health care system. Although it is not often focused on in media and stories surrounding health care, nursing is a career of great importance. If any patient was asked about their experience at a hospital or a care center, many will mention the capability and care that they received from the nurses. The health care system could not function efficiently, if at all, if nurses were not present to perform their part. Nurses are more than just physicians support staff. Of interest in this paper is why people choose to study nursing in university or college. From students just graduating high school to mature student who have prior degrees or education, nursing is a popular choice as a path to study
Cathryn, you bring up an excellent point. Physician burnout is real and I am glad to hear that the AMA is doing something to help the physicians. I believe burnout is a major problem among all health care workers. I remember being in nursing school and learning about the nursing shortage. Then we would go to the hospital for clinical training and the nurses would be tired and burned out. I remember thinking that I did not want to be like them, but here I am 23 years later and I, too, am fighting burnout. I don’t believe enough is being done to address this issue, it is hard work to care for other people and with rising expectations and budget cuts it is getting more difficult to provide compassionate care.
Since the 1990’s, the interest in nursing and the profession as a whole has decreased dramatically and is still expected to do so over the next 10-15 years according to some researchers. With this nursing shortage, many factors are affected. Organizations have to face challenges of low staffing, higher costs for resources, recruiting and reserving of registered nurses, among liability issues as well. Some of the main issues arising from this nurse shortage are the impact of quality and continuity of care, organizational costs, the effect it has on nursing staff, and etc. However, this not only affects an organization and community, but affects the nurses the same. Nurses are becoming overwhelmed and are questioning the quality of care that each patient deserves. This shortage is not an issue that is to be taken lightly. The repercussions that are faced by both nurses and the organization are critical. Therefore, state funding should be implemented to private hospitals in order to resolve the shortage of nurses. State funds will therefore, relieve the overwhelming burdens on the staff, provide a safe and stress free environment for the patient, and allow appropriate funds needed to keep the facility and organization operational.
The prolonged shortage of skilled nursing personnel has been a serious concern to the healthcare industry, and this shortage has impacted the quality of care delivery. In addition, nursing turnover has also exacerbated the problem of nursing shortage. Nursing shortage has been blamed on many nurses retiring and less younger nurses joining the occupation. There is also an increase in life expectancy (baby boomers) leading an increase in both physical and mental ailment with subsequent demand in nursing care. Nurses are also leaving nursing profession because of inadequate staffing, tense work environment, negative press about the profession, and inflexible work schedules. Even though nursing is a promising career and offers job security, the
As the nursing career is expected to grow, several job openings are expected in the next ten years. These several job openings will increase job security. Also, their career has flexible schedules. Basically meaning a nurse “can constantly rotate what days he or she works or just set a schedule so he or she may have a four day weekend” (1 Registered). Because nurses manage patients on a daily basis treating and diagnosing, they are rewarded mentally and at times physically. “People are constantly thankful and truly realize the impact of a nurse” (1
I chose nursing as a career because I found the work challenging, exciting and rewarding. I feel my skills and attributes are well suited for nursing. My ability to sta...
One of the few careers left in the United States that is said to be everlasting, seems to be getting a taste of reality. What once was a thriving career has steadily begun to struggle with a call to arms. Hospitals around the world are finding that the need for nurses is increasing as new nurse graduates are decreasing. Nursing schools are unable to produce enough new graduates to meet the need. Which causes a need for adequate instructors with the knowledge necessary to educate nursing students. Even with the rate of nurses graduating each year with Bachelors and Associates, why are we in such a drastic need for nurses? Has the population and illness increased so fast that our current nurses are not able to keep pace? Many researchers have attempted to figure out what may be causing this need. This need for nurses is vital to patient care and outcome, but we still lack consensus. The question that has been asked since the 1980s with no resolution.
The beauty of nursing is it allows me to travel whilst still working in the health care environment. As well as exploring different cultures, I could provide care to individuals of countries where health care is not accessible. Nursing will allow me to explore the world whilst fulfilling a rewarding career. Additionally, friends and family have always encouraged I study nursing. Throughout my life, people have commented on my caring nature and suggest nursing would be a perfect career for me. I agreed, as I enjoy caring for others whether they are a friend or a stranger. Therefore, nursing for individuals would bring joy to me. A final factor that influenced my decision is the understanding I will gain of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The function of the human body has always interested me, as human life depends on it. Nursing allows me to enlighten people of the wonders of the human body. These factors and attributes influenced my decision to study
My reasons for selecting a career in nursing stem directly from my desire to help our prospering population and community. This career appeals to me because it embodies what I strive to become, a person of influence, a guide, a respected adult, a mentor, and a person that can be trusted and looked up to with great passion. Another reason for selecting a career in nursing has a lot to do with my current job position at Generations Elder Care. Working with the elderly community at this personal care home has enriched my life in many ways, including one for my passion of learning more about the nursing field. As I shadowed the nurses entering the facility I watched them do their assessments on the residents which has peaked my curiosity. I believe being a nurse presents daily challenges which are unique, interesting, and rewarding and that is another reason why I want to become a nurse. Knowing that I have helped someone in some way possible gives me a feeling of fulfillment and enjoyment that I never understood or had before. And this career offers just that, and that is exactly why I...